Creamy Turmeric Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking 1 pound of spaghetti in a large pot of boiling water, following the package instructions for al dente pasta. Before you drain the pasta, remember to save a cup of the pasta water for later use—it's going to be an essential part of bringing our sauce to the perfect consistency.

2. Prepare the Aromatics

While the spaghetti is bubbling away, grab a large saucepan and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. As the butter starts to froth, introduce a thinly sliced large shallot and a couple of thinly sliced garlic cloves to the pan. Sauté these for 3 to 4 minutes until they're beautifully golden-brown, which will infuse the base of our sauce with a sweet and aromatic flavor. Don't forget to season with a good pinch of kosher salt and black pepper.

3. Create the Turmeric Sauce

Now for the heart of the dish: sprinkle in 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground turmeric. This golden spice not only brings a warm, peppery essence but also gives our sauce its signature color and is known for its potential health benefits. Give it about 30 seconds to toast lightly, which is just enough time to unlock its vibrant flavors. Then, pour in 1 cup of half-and-half and keep whisking until the mixture starts to simmer. This is where the magic happens—the heat gently coaxes out the turmeric's earthy notes while the half-and-half transforms into a rich and creamy canvas.

4. Add Cheese and Combine with Pasta

Once the sauce is gently bubbling, it's time to whisk in 2 cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese completely melts into the sauce, creating a smooth and velvety texture that's going to coat our pasta perfectly. Drain your pasta and toss it directly into the saucepan, using tongs or a fork to ensure each strand is lovingly coated in the creamy turmeric sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up until everything is just right.

5. Garnish and Serve

Serve steaming bowls of this fragrant pasta garnished with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives and a little extra Parmesan on top. Each bite should taste like a warm hug, with the comforting flavors of turmeric and Parmesan wrapped around the al dente spaghetti.